her old age, just when she
had found her a second time, and learned to know and love her, she
would have immediately thrown her arms around Aunt Betty's neck and
making no comment have kissed her affectionately.

"Of course, I do not know the state of your finances, nor would I be
so presuming as to inquire," Mr. Ludlow went on, "but it may interest
you to know that if Miss Dorothy goes on the concert stage it will
mean quite a tidy sum of money for her--and money, I am sure, will
always prove a handy asset to have around. So, both artistically and
financially, it seems the proper thing for her to do."

"But I have heard that girls on the stage are exposed to many
temptations," protested Aunt Betty, who felt the ground slipping from
under her arguments. Realizing, as she did, that it was Dorothy's
wish that she give the concert stage a trial, she was inclined to be
lenient.

"A wrong impression, madame--an entirely wrong impression," said Mr.
Ludlow, emphatically. "There are temptations in stage life, yes; but
so there are in other professions, and he or she who falters will
find their steps to be hard ones, no matter who they are or where
they be. Force of character rules on the stage, Mrs. Calvert, just as
it does in every other walk of life. Thus it is that the theatrical
profession shelters some of the smartest, most wonderful women the
world has ever known. Because a few notoriety seekers have caused
the finger of scorn to be pointed at an honorable profession, just as
one dishonest employe can, and frequently does, cause a whole
institution to be looked at with suspicion, should the dramatic
profession, as a whole, be made to suffer? I ask you this in all
fairness, madame, and await your answer."

"Well, really, I hadn't considered it in that light," said Aunt
Betty, slowly, deliberately. "I believe you are right, Mr. Ludlow,
and I thank you sincerely for changing my viewpoint. Ever since I saw
that great play, 'The Music Master,' with David Warfield in the part
of Herr von Barwig, I have wondered if the theatrical profession was
wholly a bad one. Now, I think I understand."

"I am glad it remained for me to tell you, Mrs. Calvert."

"And if my niece sees fit to arrange with you for a metropolitan
appearance, and you feel that it will be a great triumph for her, I
shall certainly not stand in the way."

"Oh, you dear, good auntie!" Dorothy cried, throwing her arms about
Mrs. Calvert's neck and giving her